Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method comprising: enabling a first account of a social network to follow a second account to receive electronic messages of the second account; disabling the second account from following the first account prior to the first account following the second account; detecting an election by the first account of the second account, wherein the first account adds the second account to one or more communication groups managed by the first account; and in response to the detecting, enabling the second account to follow the first account, wherein messages provided by the first account for the one or more communication groups are to reach the second account, wherein at least one operation of the method is executed through a processor.
This invention relates to social network account management, specifically addressing the challenge of controlling message visibility and follower relationships between accounts. The method involves a system where a first account in a social network can follow a second account to receive its electronic messages, but the second account is initially prevented from following the first account. This restriction ensures that the first account can selectively control message distribution without immediate reciprocity. The first account can then elect to add the second account to one or more communication groups it manages. Upon this election, the second account is enabled to follow the first account, allowing messages from the first account's groups to reach the second account. The process ensures that the second account only receives messages after being explicitly added to a group, maintaining controlled communication flow. The method is executed through a processor, ensuring automated and efficient management of follower relationships and message distribution within the social network. This approach enhances privacy and selective engagement between accounts.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 further including: detecting an election of the first account by the second account; and enabling the second account to add the first account to communication groups managed by the second account.
This invention relates to a system for managing communication groups in a digital platform, addressing the problem of controlling access and permissions for group membership. The method involves detecting when a first user account is selected by a second user account, then granting the second account the ability to add the first account to communication groups that the second account manages. This allows the second account to control which users can join their groups, ensuring proper access management. The system likely includes user authentication, group management features, and permission controls to facilitate this process. The invention may be used in social media, messaging apps, or collaboration tools where group-based communication is essential. The core functionality enables administrators or group owners to selectively invite or add members, maintaining security and organization within the groups. The method ensures that only authorized users can be added to groups, preventing unauthorized access and maintaining the integrity of the communication environment.
3. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first account is a person account and the second account is an entity account, and further including enabling the first account to search for person accounts and for entity accounts.
This invention relates to a system for managing and searching user accounts in a digital platform, particularly focusing on distinguishing between person accounts and entity accounts. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently categorize and search for different types of accounts within a shared platform, ensuring proper identification and interaction between individuals and organizations. The system includes a method for enabling a first account to search for and interact with both person accounts and entity accounts. The first account is specifically designated as a person account, while the second account is designated as an entity account. The method allows the first account to search for and access information from both types of accounts, facilitating seamless interaction between individuals and organizations. The system ensures that accounts are properly categorized, allowing users to filter and search for relevant accounts based on their type, whether they are individuals or entities. This improves user experience by providing clear distinctions and enabling targeted searches, ensuring that users can easily find and engage with the accounts they need. The invention enhances the functionality of digital platforms by streamlining account management and search capabilities.
4. The method as recited in claim 1 further including: enabling the second account to search for entity accounts; and disabling the second account from searching for person accounts.
This invention relates to a system for managing account access and search capabilities within a digital platform. The problem addressed is the need to control and restrict search functionalities for different types of accounts to enhance privacy and security. Specifically, the invention provides a method where a second account, which may be a non-person entity such as a business or organization, is granted the ability to search for other entity accounts while being restricted from searching for person accounts. This ensures that entity accounts can interact with other entities but cannot access personal user data, thereby protecting individual privacy. The method involves enabling the second account to perform searches within a predefined set of entity accounts while actively disabling its ability to search for or access person accounts. This selective restriction helps maintain compliance with privacy regulations and prevents unauthorized access to personal information. The system dynamically enforces these search permissions based on account type, ensuring that entity accounts cannot bypass these restrictions. The overall goal is to create a secure and privacy-conscious environment where entity accounts can operate within their designated scope without compromising personal user data.
5. The method as recited in claim 1 further including: detecting a post created by the first account that mentions the second account; and enabling the second account to respond to the post in response to detecting the post.
This invention relates to social media platforms and addresses the problem of facilitating interactions between users, particularly when one user mentions another in a post. The system monitors activity on a social media platform where multiple user accounts interact. When a first user account creates a post that mentions a second user account, the system detects this mention and notifies the second account. The second account is then provided with an option to respond to the mentioned post, enabling direct engagement. The system may also include features for managing user accounts, such as creating, modifying, or deleting accounts, and tracking interactions between users. The notification mechanism ensures that the mentioned user is aware of the post and can participate in the conversation, enhancing user engagement and communication on the platform. The invention improves the efficiency of social media interactions by automating the detection of mentions and providing a seamless response mechanism.
6. The method as recited in claim 1 further including: detecting a post created by the first account is free of a mention of the second account; and disabling the second account to respond to the post in response to detecting the post unless the second account is following the first account.
This invention relates to social media platforms and addresses the problem of unwanted interactions between users, particularly when one user creates a post without explicitly mentioning another user but still receives responses from them. The method involves detecting whether a post from a first user account contains a mention of a second user account. If the post does not mention the second account, the system prevents the second account from responding to the post unless the second account is already following the first account. This ensures that users can control who can engage with their content without explicit mentions, reducing unwanted interactions while still allowing followers to participate. The method enhances user privacy and reduces spam or unsolicited responses in social media environments. The system dynamically adjusts response permissions based on account relationships, improving user experience by filtering out irrelevant or unwanted interactions. This approach is particularly useful in platforms where users may receive numerous responses from accounts they do not follow, creating clutter and potential harassment. The solution balances open communication with user control, ensuring a more personalized and secure interaction environment.
7. The method as recited in claim 1 further including: detecting a deletion of the second account from the first account; and removing the first account from the second account in response to detecting the deletion.
This invention relates to account management systems, specifically handling relationships between accounts in a networked environment. The problem addressed is maintaining consistency and security when accounts are deleted, ensuring that linked accounts are properly disconnected to prevent unauthorized access or data exposure. The system involves a first account and a second account that are linked or associated with each other. When the second account is deleted, the system automatically detects this deletion and removes the first account's association with the second account. This ensures that the first account no longer has any dependency or access permissions tied to the deleted second account, reducing security risks and maintaining data integrity. The method includes monitoring the status of the second account and triggering a removal process when deletion is detected. This may involve revoking access rights, severing data links, or updating system records to reflect the disassociation. The approach prevents orphaned references, which could lead to errors or vulnerabilities in the system. The solution is particularly useful in multi-user environments where accounts frequently interact or share resources, such as social networks, enterprise systems, or cloud-based platforms. By automating the disassociation process, the system enhances reliability and reduces administrative overhead.
8. The method as recited in claim 7 further including: enabling electronic messages from the second account related to message streams started before the deletion.
A system and method for managing electronic message accounts involves selectively enabling or disabling message access based on account status. The invention addresses the problem of managing message continuity when an account is deleted or deactivated, ensuring that ongoing conversations are not disrupted. The method includes detecting a deletion or deactivation of a first account associated with a user and automatically enabling a second account to receive electronic messages related to message streams initiated before the deletion. The second account is linked to the same user or entity as the first account, allowing seamless message continuity. The system may also include a server configured to process message routing decisions based on account status, ensuring that messages intended for the deleted account are redirected to the second account. This approach prevents message loss and maintains communication flow, particularly in collaborative or team-based messaging environments where multiple accounts may be associated with a single user or group. The method further ensures that only relevant message streams are redirected, avoiding unnecessary message flooding to the second account. The invention is applicable in email, instant messaging, or other electronic communication systems where account management and message continuity are critical.
9. The method as recited in claim 7 further including: detecting a new election by the first account of the second account after the deletion; and adding the first account to communication groups of the second account where the first account existed before the deletion.
This invention relates to social media or communication platforms where users can form groups and manage their connections. The problem addressed is the disruption caused when a user deletes their account, which removes them from all groups and connections, potentially causing communication gaps or administrative burdens when the user later rejoins the platform. The method involves monitoring user accounts to detect when a previously deleted account is reactivated. If a first account (the reactivated user) had previously been elected or added to communication groups by a second account (another user), the system automatically restores the first account to those groups upon reactivation. This ensures continuity in group memberships and reduces manual effort for users to rebuild their connections. The method may also involve tracking historical group memberships to accurately restore the first account to the correct groups. This approach improves user experience by maintaining social or communication networks even after account deletions and reactivations.
10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having instructions stored therein, which when executed, cause a processor to: enable a first account of a social network to follow a second account to receive electronic messages of the second account; disable the second account from following the first account prior to the first account following the second account; and detect an election by the first account of the second account, wherein the first account adds the second account to one or more communication groups managed by the first account; and in response to the detecting, enable the second account to follow the first account, wherein messages provided by the first account for the one or more communication groups are to reach the second account.
This invention relates to a system for managing account interactions in a social network, addressing the problem of unwanted or unidirectional following relationships. The system controls the ability of accounts to follow each other, ensuring that a second account cannot follow a first account until the first account explicitly elects to add the second account to one or more communication groups it manages. The process begins by enabling the first account to follow the second account, allowing it to receive the second account's messages. However, the second account is initially prevented from following the first account. When the first account selects the second account to include in its communication groups, the system detects this election and then permits the second account to follow the first account. As a result, messages sent by the first account to its communication groups are delivered to the second account. This approach ensures that following relationships are reciprocal and controlled by the initiating account, reducing unwanted interactions and improving privacy and control over communication flows. The system operates through a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing executable instructions that perform these steps when run by a processor.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 10 , wherein the processor is further to: enable an endorsement operation, wherein an endorsement of a second account by a first account increases a value of an endorsement counter associated with the second account.
This invention relates to a system for managing endorsements within a digital platform, particularly in a decentralized or blockchain-based environment. The problem addressed is the need for a verifiable and transparent mechanism to track endorsements between accounts, ensuring trust and credibility in user interactions. The system includes a processor configured to execute operations on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. One key operation is the endorsement process, where a first account can endorse a second account, increasing a counter associated with the second account. This counter tracks the number of endorsements received, providing a measurable indicator of the second account's credibility or reputation. The endorsement operation is designed to be secure and tamper-proof, leveraging cryptographic techniques to ensure the integrity of the endorsement data. The system may also include additional features, such as the ability to verify the authenticity of endorsements, prevent fraudulent endorsements, and maintain a historical record of all endorsements. The endorsement counter can be used in various applications, such as reputation systems, peer-to-peer networks, or decentralized platforms where trust is a critical factor. The invention ensures that endorsements are recorded in a transparent and immutable manner, enhancing the reliability of the endorsement system.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 , wherein an endorsement of the second account by the first account when the first account is not following the second account maintains communications disabled from the second account to the first account.
This invention relates to a social media or communication system where user accounts can endorse or follow each other, and where communication permissions are controlled based on endorsement relationships. The problem addressed is managing unwanted communications between users who are not following each other, ensuring that only endorsed or followed accounts can send messages. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions for managing communications between user accounts. When a first account endorses or follows a second account, the system enables bidirectional communication between them. However, if the first account endorses the second account while not following it, the system maintains communications disabled from the second account to the first account. This ensures that the first account does not receive unsolicited messages from the second account unless a mutual endorsement or follow relationship exists. The system may also include features for tracking endorsement relationships, updating communication permissions, and enforcing these rules across a networked platform. The invention aims to reduce unwanted interactions while preserving user control over communication access.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 10 , wherein the processor is further to: detect a post created by the first account that mentions the second account; and enable the second account to respond to the post in response to detecting the post.
This invention relates to social media platforms and addresses the challenge of facilitating interactions between users, particularly when one user mentions another. The system involves a computer-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable a social media platform to detect when a post created by a first user account mentions a second user account. Upon detecting such a mention, the system automatically enables the second user account to respond to the post, streamlining the interaction process. The underlying method includes monitoring user-generated content for mentions of other accounts and triggering a response mechanism to notify the mentioned account and provide an interface for engagement. This approach enhances user engagement by reducing barriers to communication and ensuring that mentioned users are promptly notified and given the opportunity to participate in the conversation. The system may also include additional features such as filtering or prioritizing notifications based on user preferences or relationship context, ensuring a more personalized and efficient interaction experience. The invention aims to improve the usability and responsiveness of social media platforms by automating the detection and response process for mentioned accounts.
14. A system, comprising: a memory; a processor, operatively coupled to the memory, the processor to: enable a first account of a social network to elect to follow a second account to receive electronic messages of the second account; disable the second account from electing the first account prior to the first account electing to follow the second account; and detect an election by the first account of the second account, wherein the first account adds the second account to one or more communication groups managed by the first account; and in response to the detecting, enable the second account to follow the first account, wherein messages provided by the first account for the one or more communication groups are to reach the second account.
This invention relates to a social network system that manages account followership with asymmetric permissions. The system addresses the problem of unwanted followership, where users may be followed by others without their consent, leading to privacy concerns and unwanted interactions. The system includes a memory and a processor that executes specific functions. A first account in the social network can elect to follow a second account, thereby receiving electronic messages from the second account. However, the second account is initially prevented from electing to follow the first account until the first account explicitly follows the second account. When the first account follows the second account and adds the second account to one or more communication groups managed by the first account, the system detects this action and enables the second account to follow the first account in return. As a result, messages sent by the first account to the communication groups are delivered to the second account. This approach ensures that followership is reciprocal and only established when the first account initiates the connection, preventing unwanted followership while maintaining communication flow within designated groups.
15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the processor is further to: enable an endorsement operation, wherein an endorsement of a second account by a first account increases a value of an endorsement counter associated with the second account.
A system for managing endorsements in a digital platform, particularly in social or professional networking environments, addresses the need for quantifying and tracking user endorsements to enhance credibility and visibility. The system includes a processor that facilitates endorsement operations, where an endorsement from a first account increases a value of an endorsement counter linked to a second account. This counter serves as a measurable indicator of the second account's reputation or influence. The system may also include a database to store endorsement data and a network interface for transmitting endorsement-related information. The processor can further validate endorsements, prevent fraudulent endorsements, and update the endorsement counter in real-time. The system may also allow users to view or filter content based on endorsement counts, improving content discovery and trustworthiness. The endorsement mechanism helps users assess the reliability of other accounts, fostering a more transparent and credible digital environment.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein an endorsement of the second account by the first account when the first account is not following the second account maintains communications disabled from the second account to the first account.
This invention relates to a social media or communication system that manages interactions between user accounts, particularly when one account endorses another without establishing a mutual connection. The system prevents unwanted communications from a second account to a first account when the first account endorses the second account but does not follow or mutually connect with it. This addresses the problem of users receiving unsolicited messages or notifications from accounts they have not explicitly chosen to engage with, ensuring that endorsements do not automatically enable two-way communication. The system enforces this restriction by maintaining a disabled communication state from the second account to the first account, even after endorsement, unless the first account takes additional action to enable communication. This feature enhances user privacy and control over their interactions within the platform. The system may also include other mechanisms for managing connections, such as mutual following or explicit approval, to further refine communication permissions between users.
17. The system of claim 14 , wherein the processor is further to: detect a post created by the first account that mentions the second account; and enable the second account to respond to the post in response to detecting the post.
This invention relates to a social media system that facilitates interactions between users. The problem addressed is the difficulty in managing and responding to mentions or notifications in a timely manner, particularly when a user is mentioned in a post by another user. The system includes a processor that detects when a post created by a first user account mentions a second user account. Upon detecting such a mention, the system enables the second user account to respond to the post. This functionality ensures that the mentioned user is promptly notified and can engage in a conversation or interaction with the original poster. The system may also include features for managing user accounts, storing posts, and processing notifications to enhance user engagement and communication within the social media platform. The processor may further analyze the content of the post to determine relevance or context before enabling the response, ensuring a more efficient and targeted interaction process. This approach improves user experience by reducing missed interactions and fostering more dynamic and responsive communication between users.
18. The system of claim 14 , wherein the processor is further to: detect an election of the first account by the second account; and enable the second account to add the first account to communication groups managed by the second account.
This invention relates to a system for managing communication groups in a digital platform, addressing the need for efficient and secure group management across multiple user accounts. The system includes a processor that facilitates interactions between accounts, particularly when one account (the second account) selects another account (the first account) for inclusion in communication groups. The processor detects this election and enables the second account to add the first account to any communication groups it manages. This functionality ensures that group administrators can easily integrate new members into their existing groups without requiring direct approval from the first account, streamlining group formation and reducing administrative overhead. The system may also include features for verifying account permissions, ensuring that only authorized users can modify group memberships. By automating the addition process, the system enhances user experience and maintains control over group access, making it suitable for platforms where collaborative communication is essential. The invention improves upon prior art by simplifying group management while preserving security and user autonomy.
19. The system of claim 14 , wherein the first account is a person account and the second account is an entity account and wherein the processor is further to: enable the entity account to search for entity accounts; and disable the entity account to search for person accounts.
This invention relates to a system for managing account access and search capabilities within a networked platform, particularly addressing the need to control how different types of accounts interact with one another. The system distinguishes between person accounts and entity accounts, restricting search functionality to prevent entity accounts from accessing person accounts while allowing them to search for other entity accounts. The system includes a processor that enforces these restrictions, ensuring that entity accounts cannot locate or interact with person accounts, thereby enhancing privacy and security for individual users. The processor also manages the creation and linking of accounts, allowing entity accounts to be associated with person accounts under controlled conditions. This selective search capability helps maintain data privacy by limiting the visibility of person accounts to other entities, while still enabling necessary business or organizational interactions between entity accounts. The system may also include a user interface for managing these account relationships and a database for storing account information and access rules. The overall goal is to provide a secure and structured environment where different account types can interact only as permitted, reducing unauthorized access risks.
20. The system of claim 14 , wherein the processor is further to: detect a deletion of the second account from the first account; and remove the first account from the second account in response to detecting the deletion.
This invention relates to a system for managing account relationships in a digital platform, particularly addressing the need to automatically synchronize account deletions to maintain data consistency. The system includes a processor that monitors interactions between a first account and a second account. When the processor detects that the second account has been deleted from the first account, it automatically removes the first account from the second account to ensure bidirectional consistency. This prevents orphaned references and maintains accurate relationship mappings between accounts. The system may also include a memory storing account data and a network interface for communicating with external systems. The processor further handles account creation, linking, and unlinking operations, ensuring that changes to one account are reflected in the other. The invention improves data integrity by eliminating manual intervention in account relationship management, reducing errors and improving user experience.
Unknown
January 14, 2020
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